Metro Editor

Lee Enterprises Inc   Buffalo, NY   Full-time     Writing / Editing
Posted on May 22, 2024
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METRO EDITOR

The Buffalo News is seeking a metro editor who can manage a team of reporters, identify stories readers won't find elsewhere, recommend reporting strategies and make leads sing.

We are looking for an enthusiastic editor who shuns "for the record" coverage in favor of turning the day's developments into must-read journalism that helps readers navigate their days. That means clearly defining where your team is headed and developing goals for reporters to get there.

This is a fast-paced job with a focus on working with reporters and frontline editing, from developing story ideas to guiding the reporting process to making stories shine.

The ideal candidate for this position will be able to coach reporters while editing stories and identifying new ways to tell those stories in the digital space.

The ability to edit stories on tight deadlines and a focus on uncovering the news - rather than reacting to it - are a must. Candidates must have substantial reporting experience and a mastery of news enterprise. People skills are as essential as your expertise in AP style.

The editor will:
  • Be a detail-oriented planner who will push writers to develop a story budget filled with unique local content and deadlines that align with our digital plan.
  • Create new ways for readers to experience that coverage -through different story forms, data, newsletters, video, audio and social media.
  • Set priorities and help reporters stick to them. Be comfortable saying "no" to the good story ideas to make way for the best ones.
  • Eschew traditional stories and for-the-record coverage in favor of stories that no one else is telling.
  • Be willing to take creative risks, move quickly and learn from the outcomes.
  • Work with reporters - from reporting to story conception to final line editing - to create coverage that sets the agenda and is far ahead of the competition.
The editor should:
  • Have a demonstrated ability to guide reporters on compelling coverage that matters.
  • Be a clear communicator who gives honest feedback, is committed to mentoring team members and develops the teams' skills.
  • Be as comfortable with digital story forms as pulling together traditional print packages. Stories should have an impact no matter the platform - whether a multimedia display or Sunday front page package.
  • Have a mastery of digital best practices, including social media and SEO.
  • Have a good understanding of the ways data, reporting and visuals can make or break a story - bringing our coverage beyond the anecdotes and quotes.
  • Be comfortable representing The News at public events, including networking and public speaking.
The Buffalo News has the largest staff of journalists in the region. We have a history of breaking the area's big stories and investing in the stories that matter. We strive to hire talented and dedicated people who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. People of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Why Buffalo? The city has seen a resurgence that makes it an exciting time to work and live here. The region has professional sports teams, world-class architecture and art museums, a philharmonic and a growing waterfront. Two Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, beautiful hikes and ski slopes all within a short drive. We're known for our snowfall, but our springs, summers and falls are just as amazing.

To apply, please include a resume, cover letter and clips.

Why Join Us?

Lee Enterprises offers competitive wages in a dynamic, interesting work environment with career growth opportunities. We offer an extensive benefit program that can be personalized to your needs. Our benefit program includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, company provided life insurance and supplemental life insurance. In addition, we offer a 401K retirement plan with company match. We also offer generous paid time off to allow the flexibility to balance personal life and work. This includes paid parental leave for new parents.

Lee Enterprises is a major subscription and advertising platform and a leading provider of local news and information, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 350 weekly and specialty publications serving 73 markets in 26 states.

Lee Enterprises is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a workforce whose diversity reflects the communities we serve. Lee embraces change, and we recognize that we must create and maintain a culture of fervent inclusion. For more information about Lee, check us out at www.lee.net.

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role but do not meet 100% of the qualifications above, we encourage you to apply.